The case of severe paediatric influenza B infection involves a 15-year-old girl with good past health, who presented several symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and skin rash since 22 January.
She was admitted to the United Christian Hospital on 30 January and was subsequently transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit for further management.
The clinical diagnosis was influenza B infection complicated with septic shock. She is now in stable condition.
The patient had no travel history during the incubation period and did not receive seasonal influenza vaccination for the current season. Her home contacts are asymptomatic so far.
Separately, the influenza B outbreak at a kindergarten in Wong Tai Sin affected 21 students including seven boys and 14 girls aged from 3 to 6. They have developed fever, cough and sore throat since 16 January.
Of the 20 patients who sought medical attention, two required hospitalisation and one has already been discharged. All affected persons are in stable condition.
Officers of the CHP have conducted a site visit and advised the kindergarten to adopt infection control measures against respiratory infections. The school has been put under medical surveillance.
"To prevent outbreaks of influenza and other respiratory infections, it is of prime importance that children with fever, regardless of the presence of respiratory symptoms, should not be allowed to attend school,” said a spokesman for the CHP.
“They should seek medical advice and avoid school till 48 hours after the fever has subsided. Schools should also measure and record students' body temperature properly."
Schools are reminded to follow the guidelines on prevention of communicable diseases on preventive and control measures as well as management of outbreaks, which should be reported to the CHP for prompt follow-up.
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